Ollie Swaddle - A Mother’s Honest review
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In this post, I’ll reveal my personal stories and honest opinion of the Ollie Swaddle. As a mom of four and avid user of swaddles to help my babies sleep in the first few months, I have used many different types of swaddles and sleep sacks over the years. I have plenty of perspective on the good, the bad, and everything in between. I’ll share my pros and cons to help you choose the best one for your baby.
How swaddles help baby sleep
Before we dive into the specifics of the Ollie World swaddle, let’s talk about how swaddles in general help with baby sleep. If you are considering a swaddle for your baby, you’re on the right track!
Reduction of Startle Reflex - Babies are born with what’s called the "startle reflex”. It is also called the Moro reflex. It results in them startling, or throwing their hands up in the air, when they hear a noise or otherwise get startled. It can cause them to wake up from sleep. Using a swaddle helps reduce this reflex while sleeping, resulting in longer stretches of sleep for your baby.
Re-creation Of Womb - Using a swaddle keeps baby’s arms close to their body. They are cozy and snug, and in a similar position as when they were in the womb. Swaddles help your baby feel as if they are back in the womb. This is very soothing for them.
Part Of The Sleep Routine - Babies can start to learn patterns and benefit from routine from a young age. Swaddle usage can become a sleep association or cue for your baby that it’s time to sleep. Over time, they can learn that being positioned in a swaddle will soon be followed by sleep. This contributes to a pattern or routine that can help prepare your baby for good sleep.
Key features
Here are the key features of the Ollie swaddle (OS). While they aren’t unique to this product, these features are important for any swaddle you consider.
Ease Of Use - like some other swaddles, the OS has velcro closures that make it easy to use. Most parents find this much easier than wrestling with a blanket swaddle. It is especially helpful when caring for baby overnight when you want to get back to sleep as soon as possible.
Promotes Great Sleep - like other swaddles, the OS helps babies sleep better for the reasons listed above. From reducing the startle reflex to mimicing the womb, swaddles are comforting for babies and help them sleep.
Machine Washable - like other swaddles, the OS is machine washable. This is helpful as babies have a knack for making messes of all types. Throwing this in the wash with the rest of your baby laundry is very handy.
Versatile - like many other swaddles, the OS can be used in a number of arm positions. The most common and first one for most babies is both arms in against the chest. It can also handle one arm out or both arms out.
Safe Hip Position - it’s important to ensure a correct fit when using a swaddle. A swaddle that is too tight or in the wrong position can lead to hip issues. The OS, like many other quality swaddles, is safe for baby hips.
Safety First - swaddles provide warmth for baby without loose bedding in their crib or bassinet. Safety is key, and using a swaddle instead of blankets can increase sleep safety.
unique features of the ollie swaddle
There are many things that make the Ollie stand apart from others. Here are those unique features.
Soft, Stretchy Fabric - this is one area in which I find this swaddle unique. The fabric of the OS is higher quality than many other types of swaddles. It has a gentle stretch that provides a comfy but snug fit. The fabric is also very soft and breathable. I never worried about my baby’s risk of overheating, even while wearing a fleece onesie under it. The OS fabric is a big step above other swaddles I’ve used.
Longer Fit - babies quickly outgrow their clothes as they get older, and this applies to swaddles. But the unique knotted fabric and elastic strap on the bottom allows the OS to last longer. As your baby grows in length, it allows for a flexible and comfy fit. It fits both tiny newborns and 3-4 month olds equally well. This is unique to the OS. With other swaddles, you often have to buy bigger sizes as baby grows. This swaddle lasted my baby from when he was a newborn to when he started rolling over around 4 months old. It fit him great that entire time.
My youngest baby using his Ollie swaddle
how to use the ollie swaddle
The Ollie is very user friendly. Here are some tips for how to use it like a pro.
Lay the swaddle down flat with elastic strap on the bottom end and the sticky velcro part on the left.
Place baby on their back, centered on top of the swaddle. The top of the swaddle should start just below their shoulders.
Gently tuck your baby’s arms against their chest
Fold the right side of the swaddle over your baby’s arms and chest. Tuck snugly behind baby. Make sure the swaddle is still below the shoulders.
Fold the left (velcro) side over and fasten the velcro snugly through the chest. There should be a loose fit through the hips.
Tie the loop around the extra fabric below baby’s feet
You will know you have put it on right when the OS logo is in the middle of your baby’s chest area. The top of your baby’s shoulders should be visible above the swaddle. It should be snug through the chest. It should be loose to allow your baby’s hips to move.
pros and cons of the ollie swaddle
Now I will share the pros and cons of the OS, focusing on the unique features that set it apart from other options.
pros
The Fabric - I am a huge fan of the OS fabric and feel that it is better than any other swaddle I’ve used. It is a moisture wicking fabric, but somehow perfectly soft and breathable with just the right amount of stretch. It allows for a snug fit without worrying about your baby getting too hot.
The Versatile Fit - Because of its design with the extra fabric and elastic strap on the bottom, you don’t have to worry about your baby needing many sizes of swaddles. The OS will work for tiny newborns as well as babies who are a few months old because of the ability to adjust the fit. Paired with the stretchy fabric, this is likely the only swaddle you need. That said, I always recommend purchasing a second of anything that can get messy, including swaddles!
cons
The Cost - This is the biggest downside in my opinion. The OS is more expensive than other swaddle options. In some cases, it is nearly double the cost due to the fabric and strong velcro. This is offset by the fact that you don’t have to purchase larger swaddles. The Ollie will fit your baby the entire time they need one. To save cost, you can purchase the OS to use as your main swaddle, and then choose a cheaper velcro option for your backup. You always want to have a backup in case of a middle of the night mess!
The Velcro is Strong - while this isn’t exactly a downside, I did run into issues while doing laundry if I forgot to use its special laundry bag. Other items in my laundry load stuck onto the OS velcro and were very difficult to get off! To avoid this, be sure to use the laundry bag that comes along with your OS.
final words
On the whole, I’ve been very happy with our Ollie swaddle. It provides all of the great benefits you’d expect from a swaddle, has a great fabric, and a design that allows it to grow with your baby. If you can afford the higher cost, you will be very happy with this product. It’s a great item for your first or second baby registry.
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